Media leaders in Australia, including Hugh Marks, Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), have raised concerns over the role of major technology platforms in supporting the sustainability of news organisations.

The leaders have called on big tech companies to take greater responsibility in compensating Australian media organisations for the use of their content, particularly as digital platforms continue to dominate news distribution. The discussion reflects ongoing tensions surrounding Australia’s News Media Bargaining Incentive draft legislation and the broader challenge of ensuring fair value exchange between publishers and technology companies.

The issue highlights a critical moment for the media industry, where traditional broadcasters and publishers are navigating declining revenues, shifting audience behaviour and the growing influence of global tech platforms. For public broadcasters such as the ABC, the conversation underscores the importance of maintaining funding stability while continuing to deliver trusted, independent journalism.